The Art of Dress: Tuxedo

When Steven Dell first conceived the idea of a project for the BA (HONS) Bespoke Tailoring course he had no idea how far it would travel, and the wonderful Partners and sponsors who would join the team.

From the start, Henry Poole of Saville Row was invited to become a major collaborator and support Steven’s idea and our students’ re-invention of the Tuxedo for the 21st Century whilst, at the same time, celebrating 150 years of ‘the little black Jacket.’ Next, Tuxedo Park in New York was delighted to be able to link the project with the a revival of their annual Autumn Ball alongside an exhibition of the clothes and to welcome London College of Fashion as guests.

Eight wonderful students from the Drama Centre London at Central Saint Martins were selected through a casting to have made-to-measure tuxedos created especially for them by our tailoring students. Each went through a timeless ritual of fittings, cloth selection, toiles and the decisive details such as linings and buttons. I too, had the opportunity of being fitted for my own tuxedo by our talented and assiduous students.

To the many who have contributed from inside LCF as well as externally we are extremely grateful. A venture such as this is a demonstration of the commitment by our staff and students and the wonderful relationship we have with the fashion industry.

This project has long since become much more than a simple piece of tailoring. New developments are happening as I write. Who knows where the LCF Tuxedo project will go next…?